On Saturday, June 18th, slippery weather during the Kuortane Games made life difficult for all javelin throwers but Neeraj Chopra still managed to win the gold with his throw video viral
- In his most recent competition, Neeraj Chopra came close to breaking the 90-meter barrier.
- The Olympic gold medallist is preparing for the Diamond League event in Finland.
- During his third effort, Neeraj Chopra slipped.
Neeraj Chopra Wins Gold At Kuortane Games 2022 With 86.69 M Javelin Throw, Slips But Avoids Injury As Video Goes Viral
India’s Superstar javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won the gold medal in the Kuortane Games in Finland. Chopra finished first, ahead of Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago and world champion Anderson Peters of Grenada, with a best throw of 86.69m.
Tough conditions with the weather, but happy to get my first win of the season here at Kuortane. I'm feeling good and looking forward to kicking off my Diamond League season at @BAUHAUSGALAN on the 30th.
Thank you for all the messages and support. 🙏🏽🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/C1ulI0mktN— Neeraj Chopra (@Neeraj_chopra1) June 19, 2022
Chopra began with an 86.69m throw, which was followed by two fouls. He then chose not to attempt his remaining three throws after his initial effort had yielded the yellow metal.
The rainy weather made it difficult for the participants, with Chopra stumbling on his third attempt and deciding not to throw again, although having three chances to improve on his previous effort.
Walcott, on the other hand, was not far behind, winning silver with a throw of 86.64m, while Peters had to settle for bronze with a throw of 84.75m.
Chopra established a new national record of 89.30m while competing in the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland earlier this week, in his first competitive event since winning a historic gold in Tokyo. He broke his own mark of 88.07 metres, which he achieved in Patiala last year.
He finished in second place behind Finland’s Oliver Helander, who won gold with a throw of 89.83 metres.
Chopra will play in the Diamond League’s Stockholm leg on June 30th, following Kuortane. He had previously trained in the United States and Turkey before relocating to Finland last month.
“I’m delighted with how I performed. It was my first event of the season, so I’m glad to have gotten off to a good start. My performance here has given me a tremendous boost in confidence “Chopra stated following the Paavo Nurmi Games.